Friend hospitalized till birth

So my friend is only 27 weeks but her water ruptured. The next 72 hours are critical, but they are really hoping baby stays put for 7 weeks... but that means possibly 7 weeks of hospital bed rest. I don’t really know how to help her. We (our friend group) got her a basket of toiletries, and we’ve sent flowers. Can anyone give any good ideas on how to help her pass the time? Things that we could do? I have a big and involved group of friends and we will do anything! She was supposed to have her shower next week, but that isn’t happening, and isn’t sure she wants one in hospital.

Comments (3)

I spent 5 weeks in the hospital last fall due to complications with my pregnancy. Things that helped me were coloring books and markers/colored pencils and good recommendations for bingeworthy Netflix/Amazon shows. Do you know if she’s going to be on strict bed rest? The moms at my hospital who had had their membranes rupture were still able to get up and walk around the hospital, so if that ends up being the case and there’s a coffee shop/restaurant in the hospital or if there are places nearby that deliver, gift cards for that would be nice since the hospital food is probably not great and gets old really fast. We also had a couple volunteers who would hold “boredom busters” sessions for the women on my floor twice a week where they would help us do craft projects/sewing/knitting, so if she’s into that type of stuff maybe supplies for that. I also loved when friends would visit and offer to bring coffee or food. Also bringing things to help decorate the room if that’s allowed to make it feel less hospital-like, or even just offering to do her laundry (we didn’t have to wear hospital gowns, but I’m not sure on her hospital’s policy) or bring her cozy socks or slippers, or a comfy robe. Also maybe gift cards for services like iTunes or Audible, or Amazon if she has a kindle/iPad. If she makes it past the 72 hours she may still want to do a shower in the hospital—they might have a community room she can use.

Since the baby will probably be in the NICU for awhile regardless, making or buying scent cloths for her is a great idea too—they’re basically just little squares of fabric she can wear in her bra and leave with the baby when she isn’t there with him/her.

I spent 5 weeks in the hospital last fall due to complications with my pregna...

Posted
11/01/2018

I spent 5 weeks in the hospital last fall due to complications with my pregnancy. Things that helped me were coloring books and markers/colored pencils and good recommendations for bingeworthy Netflix/Amazon shows. Do you know if she’s going to be on strict bed rest? The moms at my hospital who had had their membranes rupture were still able to get up and walk around the hospital, so if that ends up being the case and there’s a coffee shop/restaurant in the hospital or if there are places nearby that deliver, gift cards for that would be nice since the hospital food is probably not great and gets old really fast. We also had a couple volunteers who would hold “boredom busters” sessions for the women on my floor twice a week where they would help us do craft projects/sewing/knitting, so if she’s into that type of stuff maybe supplies for that. I also loved when friends would visit and offer to bring coffee or food. Also bringing things to help decorate the room if that’s allowed to make it feel less hospital-like, or even just offering to do her laundry (we didn’t have to wear hospital gowns, but I’m not sure on her hospital’s policy) or bring her cozy socks or slippers, or a comfy robe. Also maybe gift cards for services like iTunes or Audible, or Amazon if she has a kindle/iPad. If she makes it past the 72 hours she may still want to do a shower in the hospital—they might have a community room she can use.

Since the baby will probably be in the NICU for awhile regardless, making or buying scent cloths for her is a great idea too—they’re basically just little squares of fabric she can wear in her bra and leave with the baby when she isn’t there with him/her.

Thank you for the tips! I think after 72 hours they’ll let her know if she can walk around. So fingers crossed. Once she is up for visitors I will definitely be going.

I was on bed rest last year for 4 weeks at home (not hospitalized except overnight). What helped me was having someone cook my family dinner or do light cleaning as my husband was working and taking classes at the time.

You and your friends could also visit her often so she doesn't get too down over the situation. Maybe take turns bringing an encouraging note or card?

Are they putting her on a special diet? The doctors had me on one and it was terrible! If so then y'all could cook her something delicious based on her dietary restrictions.

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